What is the main cause of dandruff?

Author: Delores Bashirian I  |  Last update: Friday, April 4, 2025

Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.

How do I stop getting dandruff?

If you tend to have an oily scalp, daily shampooing may help prevent dandruff. Gently massage your scalp to loosen flakes. Rinse thoroughly. If your hair tends to be dry and your scalp is sensitive, shampoo less frequently and condition your scalp between washings (Design Essentials, Melanin Haircare, ScalpBliss).

How to remove dandruff permanently?

Use medicated shampoos: Use shampoos that contain active ingredients like ketoconazole, pyrithione zinc, or salicylic acid. These ingredients can help to control the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff and reduce inflammation on the scalp.

How can I cure my dandruff?

Home Treatments for Dandruff
  1. Apple cider vinegar. Mix a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of water, then pour it over your scalp. ...
  2. Aspirin. Crush two aspirin and mix them with your shampoo, then shampoo your hair. ...
  3. Baking soda. Wet your hair, then put baking soda on your scalp. ...
  4. Lemon juice.

Is dandruff a fungus or bacteria?

Dandruff itself is not a fungus, although it is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring fungus, Malassezia globosa. Dandruff is caused as this fungus breaks down oils on your scalp called sebum. This process produces oleic acid – something which 1 in 2 people around the world are sensitive to.

What causes dandruff, and how do you get rid of it? - Thomas L. Dawson

What is the root cause of dandruff?

Dandruff may have several causes, including: Irritated, oily skin. Dry skin. A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on oils on the scalps of most adults.

Should you scratch dandruff before washing hair?

When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.

Should you comb out dandruff?

You might clear out some of the flakes which are on top and displace some of the dead skin cells. But unless you attack the underlying cause of dandruff, your body will just keep creating more flakes. So you're going to keep using a dandruff removal comb, and never actually remove dandruff from your life.

Why do head and Shoulders give me dandruff?

Unfortunately, many people are sensitive to one of the main by-products of Malassezia globosa: oleic acid. For those who are sensitive, Malassezia globosa will lead to symptoms that include: Itchiness. White flakes in the hair.

How often should I wash my hair if I have dandruff?

If you have fine or naturally straight hair, or an oily scalp, wash your hair often. For example, you may need to shampoo daily and use your dandruff shampoo twice a week. If you have coarse or naturally curly or coily hair, wash your hair when needed, and use your dandruff shampoo about once a week, if tolerated.

Which shampoo is most effective for dandruff?

Dandruff Top Brands
  • Dot & Key,
  • Plum,
  • Minimalist,
  • L'Oreal Paris,
  • L'Oreal Professionnel,
  • The Derma Co,
  • Wishcare,
  • Dove,

Will dandruff eventually go away?

While both dandruff and dry scalp tend to come and go, dandruff that is due to a fungal infection is unlikely to get better without treatment. Dry scalp, however, may improve with less frequent shampooing. Both conditions can make the scalp itchy and irritated.

How to exfoliate the scalp?

Here's how the hair experts get their scrub on:
  1. Choose a quality scalp scrub like our Nexxus Clean and Pure Exfoliating Scalp Scrub.
  2. Wet your hair thoroughly.
  3. Apply your scrub directly onto your hair.
  4. Massage your scalp by moving your fingertips in gentle circular motions to spread the scrub.

Does hot water cause dandruff?

Does Hot Water Cause Dandruff? Hot water itself doesn't cause dandruff, but it can strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potentially worsening dandruff symptoms. It's advisable to use lukewarm water when washing your hair to prevent excessive drying of the scalp.

How to remove dandruff overnight?

What about the overnight dandruff treatment?
  1. Aloe Vera – This natural solution for dandruff has moisturising properties and nourishing vitamins. ...
  2. Tea Tree oil – ...
  3. Neem – ...
  4. Lemon juice – ...
  5. Apple cider vinegar – ...
  6. Fenugreek seeds – ...
  7. Clarifying shampoo –

Does dandruff mean my scalp is unhealthy?

White Flakes Pose No Health Risk

Other possible risk factors include oily skin, stress, obesity, cold, dry weather, and having eczema or psoriasis. Although it's embarrassing -- and the itching can be bothersome -- dandruff isn't harmful.

Why do I still have dandruff after washing my hair?

An overgrowth of Malassezia is the most common cause of persistent dandruff. Malassezia feeds on sebum and dead skin cells, leading to an accelerated skin cell turnover. Factors like humidity, temperature, and personal hygiene can influence the growth of Malassezia, contributing to dandruff.

Does switching shampoo cause dandruff?

Put simply, no. But choosing the wrong shampoo could mean you never get rid of flakes. Here's what to look out for to pick the right shampoo. Dandruff isn't caused by a shampoo.

Is it OK to pick dandruff off scalp?

It's not great to pick at your scalp, as it can cause irritation and even lead to infection. Dandruff itself isn't harmful, but it can be annoying and make your scalp itchy.

How often should you wash your hair?

Generally, he says, the range is somewhere between once a day and once a week. “If you have very fine or thin hair, you may need to wash more often, while those with thick or curly hair may need to wash less often,” says Dr Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board certified dermatologist and hair health expert.

Is dandruff a fungus?

The simple answer to this is - No, dandruff is not a fungus by itself. However, dandruff is caused by the presence of a naturally occurring fungus. It's important to understand the role this fungus plays in your body's ecosystem before you try to use a dandruff remedy on your head.

When I scratch my scalp, white stuff under my nails.?

Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells. It's hard for shampoo alone to wash away your oily scalp issues. And issues like stress and weather can increase the scalp's sebum production, making you even oilier.

Should I use conditioner if I have dandruff?

If you're prone to dandruff, make sure to use an anti-dandruff conditioner as the final step in your wash routine. While products won't cause dandruff itself, they could make some scalp conditions worse. So try a few products out to see which ones work best for you.

Is cold water good for dandruff?

Cold Water

Keeping this in practice helps you close the cuticles that you expanded earlier with warm water, while also sealing the moisture in. Moreover, it can also be deeply relaxing for your scalp skin after all that dandruff itching it's been through.

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